Our Story

From the moment Don Curtiss and Michelle Quisenberry were introduced by a mutual friend, Chef Kathy Casey, it was the beginning of a great culinary duo. Don’s innovative culinary style and Michelle’s business savvy were a natural combination.

Named after the Tuscan hilltop town where the couple married in 2004, Volterra features the bold-flavored, Tuscan-inspired menu of Chef Curtiss showcasing his innovative style applied to the bountiful harvest of the Pacific Northwest.

Chef Curtiss’ philosophy is to use the best local and imported ingredients and put them together simply so the ingredients speak for themselves. He strongly believes it’s important to know the source of every ingredient and travels to Italy annually. He also works closely with local farmers and uses only the freshest seasonal products available.

Since it’s wildly successful opening in April 2005, Volterra was hailed “the city’s toughest reservation” by Bon Apetit magazine and has received international acclaim and numerous awards including the “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence” each year since its opening, Zagat’s “America’s Top restaurants”, “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Italian Restaurant” Seattle Magazine, “Best Chef Inspired Restaurant” Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and “Best Italian Restaurant” Seattle Citysearch. In addition, Rachael Ray named Volterra one of her “favorite restaurants on the planet”.

With Chef Curtiss’ culinary success complemented by Michelle’s business savvy and dynamic personality, the duo bring the warmth and charm of Tuscany to Seattle’s Historic Ballard Neighborhood and downtown Kirkland.